I have found over the years that I really do not. I don’t really hug anyone, aside from my husband or my dog. When friends run to hug me, I kind of tense up and just awkwardly pat their back. A cousin of mine and my SIL are BIG into hugs, and won’t let me go until I “give them a proper hug back.” I mean, good for you that you like hugs, but you’re in my damn bubble!

My parents aren’t really touchy feely people either. The last time I can remember hugging my mother was at my cousin’s funeral a year and a half ago, and my dad would have been at my wedding. I don’t know, we just don’t show affection that way.

When I was 10, a child of a friend of my mom’s who suffers from Down’s ran up to me and hugged me in a Pizza Hut because he thought I was someone he knew (I had never met the kid before, and their family just happened to be there the same time we were), and would not let go even as his mother pulled him off of me. I then got scolded for not hugging him back. I seriously think that scarred me somehow, as I was an extreme introvert at the time.

How about others? Do you prefer that people just keep their distance, or do you welcome them with open arms?

I love hugs! It really takes a lot for me to NOT want to hug a person. I cannot stand my cousin’s FI, so I never hug him… Our whole family are huge huggers so it’s probably really noticable that I don’t hug him, but I just do not like him and can’t bring myself to do it. My politeness only goes so far! Haha But even though I love hugs, I would never force a hug on someone who didn’t want one. Just because I love them doesn’t mean they do!

I’m not big on hugs except ones from the boyfriend or little kids. A few months ago I met part of my biological family (I’m adopted) and as it turns out they’re huggers! They hugged me as they were introducing themselves. We went over to my bf’s house afterwards and his family was laughing at me because all I could say was that they were huggers lol.

I love hugs, but I don’t give them usually. If someone wants to give me one I will give one back, but I do have a sense of uncomfortability. If it is from family or people I know I am ok though. My family I am DEFINITELY ok with 🙂

I like hugs but only from certain people. I don’t like to hug strangers but once I feel comfortable, I’m fine with them if they’re genuine. A wack/weak hug is the equivalent of a limp handshake for me. Don’t even bother lol

I just love bear hugs from a big guy 🙂 I’m a chubby chaser so huggability has always been pretty high up on the list lol

Dude, I give hugs to everyone! I’m from the rural midwest though where it’s pretty common to hug everyone. First meeting, I’ll shake your hand, after that – you get hugs. It was definitely a bit of a shock when I moved to the DC area and not everyone did the hugging thing.

@RunsWithBears: LOL me too! Mine and FI’s families looooove hugging, so I’m fine with it. I hug tons of people. If I don’t really know/like you, I don’t really want you touching me (certain family members, a coworker’s daughter, coworkers), but some people are fine–I just met one of FI’s coworkers who’s helping me with my resume and networking, and he gave me a hug the first time we met, as did a friend’s new girlfriend.

My main one is ‘physical touch’ – I hug friends, family, acquaintences – I hold hands with my sisters, girlfriends and FI. I used to do this ith my Dad and brother but not so much anymore. I sit very near to anyone who is special to me – cousins, grandparents etc and usually we are holding hands on our laps. My family is very close in this respect. Its not even weird for me and my sisters or female cousins to ‘cuddle’ while we watch a movie or nap or whatever. I knwo in some instances people might think we are really weird lol

Some people aren’t as into it and I respect thier space and try not to invade if they send ‘the signal’ – but in the same respect – if someone is not open to this then we are communicating differently and do not usually end up as ‘close’.

I only like to hug my fiance and my best friends when I see them. I hate hugs from anyone else, including parents. Especially from in-laws. RESPECT MY SPACE PEOPLE. None of this hug, kiss on the cheek crap when I arrive AND when I leave. We will see each other again soon. I am not affectionate, I don’t like being touched.